Jonathan in 2015: Though educated, Aliyu does not understand the meaning of agreement – Clark

clark250Chief Edwin Clark, foremost Ijaw leader and elder statesman, has stated that President Goodluck Jonathan will in 2014 make his official stand on whether he would run for the 2015 Presidential election. Chief Clark made this known as part of his reaction to news making rounds about an alleged agreement that the President will only run for one term; he also denied being part of the purported agreement and its existence.

The Ijaw leader however took a swipe at the Niger State governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu for dragging him into the controversy. Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Clark said that the President would not join issues with the opposition on the second term bid until 2014 when his position would be made public to Nigerians. He vehemently denied ever attending any meeting where such an agreement was reached, adding that, even if there was any, it could not be implemented because it is in conflict with the 1999 Constitution which provides a two-term of four years each for any Governor or President in office seeking a re-election.

Specifically to the Niger State Governor, Clark said: “I read with disappointment and embarrassment your interview which was published in various national dailies that the governors of the 19 Northern States signed an agreement with President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2011 elections on the condition that he will serve only a single tenure in office. You went ahead to state that it is only Chief E.K Clark and those who will benefit from Dr Jonathan that are campaigning and urging him to contest again come 2015. I must say that your attack against me is most unfortunate and ridiculous.

“As a rebuttal to your statement, I wish to repeat that there was no agreement between the governors of the 19 Northern states and President Goodluck Jonathan. You are a very well educated person, but it appears you do not understand the correct meaning of agreement.

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